Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe – Easy and Delicious for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a snack that’s packed with bold flavor, these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are about to become your new favorite! Imagine juicy chicken mixed with the zesty kick of Buffalo sauce, paired with crunchy celery and carrots. These meatballs are baked to perfection and tossed in a buttery Buffalo sauce for an extra layer of richness. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party or just want a quick, flavorful dish, this recipe is bound to impress.

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I came across this amazing recipe on Insanely Good Recipes, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's simple, quick, and guarantees satisfaction in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs bring together everything you love about Buffalo wings in a bite-sized, easy-to-eat form. They’re spicy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. The blend of finely diced vegetables like celery and carrots adds not only texture but a refreshing crunch that complements the spicy sauce. These meatballs are perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or even as a fun weeknight dinner.

The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier alternative to traditional fried wings without sacrificing that amazing Buffalo flavor.

A Fun Backstory

Buffalo Chicken has always been one of my go-to flavors. I remember the first time I tried Buffalo wings at a sports bar, and that spicy sauce was a total game changer. When I found this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe, it was like hitting the jackpot. It combines everything I love about Buffalo wings—heat, tang, and that mouthwatering sauce—into one bite-sized, easy-to-make dish.

Cultural Origins

Buffalo sauce is an iconic part of American cuisine, originating from Buffalo, New York. It’s traditionally made with a combination of hot sauce, butter, and vinegar, giving it a perfect balance of heat and tang. While wings are the most famous vehicle for this sauce, recipes like this one have found creative ways to incorporate it into other dishes. These meatballs are a great example of how versatile and delicious Buffalo sauce can be.

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1-1 1⁄2 pounds ground chicken
• 1⁄2 cup Buffalo sauce, divided
• 1⁄3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup finely diced celery
• 1⁄4 cup finely diced carrots
• 1⁄4 cup thinly sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce, panko breadcrumbs, celery, carrots, green onions, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Form the meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
4. Bake: Place the meatballs in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and lightly browned. For best results, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir it together with the remaining Buffalo sauce over medium-low heat.
6. Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the buttery Buffalo sauce over the top and toss to coat each meatball.
7. Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs:

• To avoid overmixing, combine all ingredients except the chicken first, then gently fold in the chicken.
• Wet your hands slightly when forming the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Want to add some extra flavor? Stir 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or blue cheese crumbles directly into the meatball mixture for a cheesy twist.

Serving Suggestions:

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or party snack, but they can also be served as a main course. Pair them with a crisp salad, fries, or even mac and cheese for a hearty, delicious meal. And don’t forget the blue cheese or ranch dressing for that classic Buffalo pairing!

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends, and hit the follow button for more tasty dishes like this one!